Microsoft's sending a confusing message with his Hololens 2

When Microsoft introduced HoloLens four years ago, it allegedly changed the industry. But did it really work? I mean, you can not really buy a HoloLens, and most of their applications have been assigned to a number of niche companies and possibly the military. For me, Hololens was an incredibly promising technology that always looked like it was at the top of the scale, but lacked one or two key elements to make it happen. The Hololens 2 seems to be correcting that, and Microsoft spent a good hour talking about what this enterprise tool will be like in the near future, but some strange news that should have led non-corporate people to do it the message certainly messed up.

But first the part of the message that was not messed up. The HoloLens 2, the ambitious mixed-reality headset from Microsoft, could be the second chance that Microsoft needs. From the beginning, Microsoft hopes to use HoloLens 2 to address three of the biggest criticisms people have about their first-generation headset: immersion, comfort, and value.

Screenshot: Microsoft

For immersion, Microsoft says it has doubled the field of view of HoloLens 2 without reducing the resolution of 47 pixels per degree of vision (which is very close to the coveted 60ppd.) Some claim the point is that individual pixels can no longer be distinguished by the human eye). In addition, the HoloLens 2 now has eye-tracking and iris scanning so you can log in simply by putting on your headset while the headset is tracking your vision to see what you see.

However, the biggest enhancement to HoloLens 2's immersive capabilities is the fully articulated hand tracking that allows you to interact with the holograms as if they were real. The HoloLens 2 also features enhanced microphones, so you can put far-off apps or objects on your side without physically having to go over them.

When it comes to comfort, Microsoft says With HoloLens 2, the company has initially scanned the heads of thousands of people of various races and ethnic backgrounds to create a headset that is suitable for just about anyone. Microsoft's claim to put on HoloLens 2 should be as comfortable as putting on your favorite hat.

Screenshot: Microsoft

The HoloLens 2 is constructed from a blend of plastic and carbon fiber so that the lower weight sits on top of the head, rests evenly, without pinching or pressing pressure points. All in all, Microsoft's HoloLens 2 is three times as comfortable as the original.

HoloLens 2's biggest hurdle, however, makes it economically attractive to potential customers. Currently, Microsoft claims that businesses need three to six months to develop the software needed to make good use of the headset. With the company's experience in providing HoloLens over the last four years, Microsoft claims it has used feedback from customers and tools developed during this time to create software packages for medical, architectural and other industries.

Screenshot: Microsoft

Another way in which Microsoft HoloLens 2 can add value is that it can also serve as a telepresence machine, with employees from around the world sharing with everyone in a shared virtual Space can work together. At the Microsoft press event at MWC, the company demonstrated a demo where Mattel employees were able to view 3D models of future toys in virtual space to better understand and improve their design without having to physically stay in the same room. Microsoft even gives the opportunity to just say a word and let HoloLens 2 create a hologram of the object. These objects can then be grouped, shared, and organized as you like.

And for all companies that were previously forced to tailor their headsets to their individual business needs, Microsoft is introducing a customization suite that allows the company to customize the features of HoloLens 2 to their needs. In industries such as construction, Microsoft has therefore been able to use Trimble to build a HoloLens 2 headset with a certified, secure helmet for field use.

And of course, Microsoft is also heavily investing in cloud computing with its Azure platform, and HoloLens 2 should have the ability to connect to servers to easily build and share holograms.

However, toward the end of today's event, Microsoft began to confuse its own message by talking about something that could make business customers nervous – an open ecosystem. Micrsoft has set out a few principles to govern the operation and operation of the HoloLens 2 software. The HoloLens App Store will be open to all types of developers, offer open web browsing, and be based on an open platform accessible to all levels by users and developers.

Then he brought out the head of Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite who talked about how much he was pleased that the application platform of the HoloLens 2 would be open, and assured that Epic games would become one too have prescribed an open ecosystem.

Open ecosystems and game developers are not usually what you associate with enterprise-centric platforms like the HoloLens 2. These comments all seemed destined for us. Nod, the Hololens might someday move out of the Enterprise room into our homes. Do not expect that soon. Microsoft's second-generation mixed-reality headset may be available soon, but will be offered for a one-time price of $ 3,000 or available for monthly payments of $ 125 per month. That's at least $ 2,000 less than the original HoloLens, but far from what a general consumer wants to spend.